In addition to the four-lane Mondo Super X Performance running track, another 20,000 square feet of weight and fitness areas on the Mondo Sport Impact sports flooring makes the center even more attractive.

The two-storey WREC building includes a solar-heated outdoor pool and a spa, and an attached deck that provides another 16,000 assignable square feet in a southwest facing, open courtyard. This multifaceted facility touches on almost every sport, creating many options to keep both the mind and body healthy at this respected university.

“We’re excited to have Mondo as part of this amazing new facility,” says Rick Scott, director of WREC. “Mondo’s flooring products are durable and attractive, and they will help us keep maintenance costs low. The Wildcat Recreation Center will also give us an edge in attracting students looking for a school with strong academics and state-of-the-art facilities.”

Welcome changes

The recreation program formerly shared space with both athletics and physical education in the Acker Gymnasium. In 2005, students passed a referendum that approved the development and funding for the center. Now the WREC is used for student, faculty and staff recreation activities. The multi-purpose flooring works well for both sport clubs and intramural sports.

The entrance plaza serves as the building's forecourt – an arrival and meeting space envisioned as a vital extension of the WREC's interior gallery and lounge. An addition to CSU Chico Campus’s open space network, the forecourt provides public spaces of diverse scales that support the varied contemplative and social activities that are so integral to campus life.

When the university evaluated potential flooring suppliers for the new facility, Mondo emerged as the clear choice. “We visited many facilities, talked with architects and considered every factor very carefully,” says Scott. “Mondo flooring is the industry standard. The company has fantastic products and an unmatched reputation.”

The health of users was also considered since Mondo’s rubber-flooring products are antibacterial and antimicrobial throughout. In addition, they are free of harmful chemicals so the sports flooring helps maintain healthy indoor environments.

Environment is key

Ten Mondo rubber-flooring surfaces recently received GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certification from the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute, an independent, nonprofit organization, and Mondo is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council.

The WREC design team’s decision to use Mondo flooring resulted in a number of benefits, including the minimal maintenance required and the environmentally safe components. For the health and safety of everyone using the center, including students, staff and community members, it was important to incorporate high-quality products such as Mondo flooring that meet the industry’s strictest quality standards.
With the use of renewable materials and sustainable technologies, WREC was awarded LEED® Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. Mondo’s Super X Performance, Sport Impact and all of its rubber flooring contribute to builders’ LEED initiatives. This is because the products are made of sustainable materials such as renewable natural rubber, natural fillers and color pigments that are free of lead and other heavy metals.

In order to obtain a LEED Gold certification, such as the Wildcat Recreation Center, a total of 60-79 points must be obtained.

Something for everyone

With such a large resident student population, the campus administration recognized the importance of a balanced and engaged student life. The Wildcat Recreation Center is seen as a family room for the campus – an environment that is a safe, healthy, and affordable alternative to off-campus activities.

Programs at the WREC include:

gymnasium for basketball, volleyball and badminton

multi-activity court for inline skating and indoor soccer

indoor running track

cardio/weight room (Fitness Room)

climbing wall

multi-purpose rooms for yoga, spinning, and other classes

swimming pool and heated spa

locker rooms

offices and other support spaces

An open central gallery In the WREC creates a hub linking a number of these activities. This area not only meets the needs of students’ recreational programs, it is also a gathering spot for casual interaction.

The center offers a large selection of top of the line equipment including 80 weight machines, another 80 cardiovascular machines and a number of group exercise rooms.

For those not participating in sports, the second floor was designed with balconies for viewing activities such as the climbing wall. The one-eighth mile running track is suspended above the MAC (multi-activity center) and the gymnasium, offering another unique vantage point for spectators. Other highlights of the WREC include wireless access throughout the building, a snack bar and large plasma televisions.